– David Chase, native New Jerseyan and creator of HBO’s “The Sopranos,” received a first-of-its-kind filmmaking award from the governor Friday. Gov. Richard Codey said Chase’s “creative writing and rich character illustration have produced a show unlike anything else on television.” Several “Sopranos” cast members were on hand to help Chase celebrate: James Gandolfini, who plays Tony Soprano; Tony Sirico, who plays Paulie Walnuts; Dominic Chianese, who plays Uncle Junior Soprano, and Steve Schirripa, who plays Bobby “Bacala” Baccalieri.
– Latina diva Gloria Estefan said Thursday she has spent four years writing a screenplay that she hopes to turn into a movie starring Danny DeVito. The script tells the story of a female American pop singer in the 1950s. She did not say who might direct or produce the movie.
– Naomi Watts, who stars in the new “King Kong” film directed by Peter Jackson, will be among the honorees at next year’s Santa Barbara film festival Feb. 2-12. Watts will receive the Montecito Award for several standout performances. George Clooney was previously announced as the recipient of the Modern Master Award.
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The Personals page was compiled by Cheryl Bowles from Tribune news services and staff reports.
